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Best Travel Credit Cards of October 2026
Chase Sapphire Preferred®: Our Best for Travel and Everyday Rewards
Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for Earning Flat-Rate Cash Back
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for All-Around Value
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for No-Annual-Fee Travel Rewards
American Express® Gold Card: Best for Dining & Grocery Rewards
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card: Best for Earning Unlimited Points
Citi Strata℠ Card: Best for Everyday Rewards with No Annual Fee
American Express Platinum Card®: Best for Luxury Travel & Elite Lifestyle Status
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® Card: Best for Broad Travel and Dining Rewards
Our Experts’ Top-Rated Card
Best for Travel and Everyday Rewards
5.0
BestMoneyscore
BestMoney scores are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria. This score is updated whenever card offers change.
BestMoney scores are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria. This score is updated whenever card offers change.
Earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
2%
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
BestMoney scores are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria. This score is updated whenever card offers change.
BestMoney scores are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria. This score is updated whenever card offers change.
BestMoney scores are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria. This score is updated whenever card offers change.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
BestMoney scores are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria. This score is updated whenever card offers change.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through BofA Travel.
1.5X
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
BestMoney scores are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria. This score is updated whenever card offers change.
Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com.
3X
Earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
3X
Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
2X
Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants.
1X
Earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
BestMoney scores are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria. This score is updated whenever card offers change.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
BestMoney scores are a dynamic formula that combines the anticipated engagement of a credit card with our editorial team’s assessment of that card based on category-specific criteria. This score is updated whenever card offers change.
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey® credit card is a points-based travel card. You can earn one reward point for every dollar spent, with bonus points for purchases related to hotels, restaurants, airfares, and other travel expenses. It also offers coverage for various travel situations, including lost luggage and travel delays.
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
5.0
BestMoneyscore
1x-5x
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and 3x online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and 3x online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
75,000 bonus points
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
$200
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
$200
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
As high as 100,000 points
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through BofA Travel.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on everyday purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through BofA Travel.
25,000 points offer
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services. Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations. Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services. Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations. Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
20,000 points
Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
As high as 175,000 points
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Credit Cards
Are travel credit cards worth it?
They can be, especially if you travel regularly and pay your balance in full. A strong welcome bonus and ongoing rewards can add a lot of value.
What credit score do I need for a travel credit card?
Most travel cards require good to excellent credit, usually 670 or higher. Premium cards may require a stronger score.
What is the difference between points and miles?
Points are usually more flexible and can sometimes be transferred to different travel partners. Miles are often tied to a specific airline program.
Should I get a general travel card or a brand-specific card?
General travel cards are usually better if you want flexibility. Airline or hotel cards make more sense if you are loyal to one brand.
Do travel credit cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Many do not, which makes them a strong option for international travel.
What to Know Before Choosing a Travel Credit Card
Travel credit cards are designed to reward you for spending you already do. From everyday purchases to flights and hotels, you can earn points or miles that add up over time and can be used toward future travel.
Here’s what makes them different—and how to get the most out of them.
1. Earn More in the Categories You Spend On
Travel cards don’t just earn rewards on every purchase—they often offer higher rates in categories like travel and dining.
Some cards also boost rewards when you book through their travel platforms, helping you build points faster without changing how you spend.
2. Redemption Options Can Change the Value
Points and miles can be used for flights, hotels, and more—but the value can vary depending on how you redeem them.
Some cards let you transfer points to airline or hotel partners, which can unlock better value compared to standard redemptions.
3. Perks Can Offset the Annual Fee
Many travel cards come with benefits like travel protections, credits, or airport perks.
Higher-fee cards tend to offer more perks, but they’re only worth it if you actually use them. The right card should match how often you travel and what benefits you’ll take advantage of.
4. Welcome Bonuses Can Boost Your Balance
Introductory bonuses are often the fastest way to build a rewards balance.
If you can meet the spending requirement as part of your normal expenses, this can help you reach your first trip redemption much sooner.
Is a Travel Credit Card Worth It?
A travel credit card can be a good fit if you want to earn rewards on everyday spending and use them toward trips.
It may be less useful if you prefer simple cash rewards or don’t plan to redeem points for travel.
Disclosures
Wells Fargo
Disclosure: This content is not provided by the issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of BestMoney alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer.
Bank of America
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
